2'-Bromoacetophenone is utilized as a key intermediate in organic synthesis, especially within the pharmaceutical sector for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. The ortho-bromine enables palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions (e.g., Suzuki or Heck) for building complex aromatic systems. Its ketone functionality supports reactions like nucleophilic additions, condensations, and cyclizations to synthesize heterocyclic compounds. Additionally, it finds applications in agrochemical and dye production due to its versatility in introducing substituted phenylacetyl moieties.